Merit hails ‘milestone’ in MMC construction

A construction specialist is delivering a cutting-edge medicines manufacturing facility in Northumberland.

Cramlington-based Merit has successfully installed key offsite-built components at the new NHS Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC), in Seaton Delaval.

Using a 150-tonne crane, the firm lifted and secured air handling units and pre-assembled modules through the facility’s roof, advancing the construction timeline.

Appointed last October to design and fit out the MMC, Merit is working alongside the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Tony Wells, chief executive of Merit, which recently announced it had strengthened its credentials with a major health and safety accreditation, said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication. 

“We are proud to contribute to a project that will not only enhance healthcare delivery in our region but will also create valuable employment opportunities. 

“As we continue our progress, we remain committed to utilising innovative offsite manufacturing techniques to ensure a timely and efficient completion.”

The “transformative” new centre will produce chemotherapy and injectable medicines, with capacity for up to one million dosages annually, supporting hospitals across the region.

It will also create around 150 new jobs and features advanced cleanrooms, quality control labs and welfare areas.

Marc Sutton, managing director of the MMC, added: “The Medicines Manufacturing Centre represents a transformative investment in the health and prosperity of the North East and North Cumbria.

“By producing vital chemotherapy and injectable treatments locally, we are not only strengthening the region’s healthcare resilience but also creating high-quality jobs and fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a world-class facility that will serve our communities for years to come.”

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria healthcare facilities management, added: “We’re thrilled to have reached such a significant milestone in this project. 

“This stage of the project really highlights the advantages of what's known as ‘modern methods of construction’. 

“These techniques offer exceptional build quality and ensure steady progress regardless of weather conditions. 

“I’m excited to see rapid developments on-site as we move forward.”

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